The Barlow Planetarium offers public programming. Family shows are geared for the young and young-at-heart. Feature shows are geared for the older student or adult that already has an established interest in astronomy. Wisconsin Skies is for the visitor that wants to get the most current and in-depth astronomy information possible. Each show ends with a tour of the current nighttime sky – stars, constellations and planets – as seen from the Fox Valley and Northeast Wisconsin.

Star Show Schedule

PLEASE NOTE:  Due to the transition of the Barlow to UW-Oshkosh, online and credit card sales are being temporarily suspended.
Sorry for the inconvenience!

Star Show Times through August 31

• Sundays & Mondays | CLOSED
• Tuesdays at 3:45 p.m. | Larry Cat in Space (Except July 23 – Appleton Children’s Week)
• Wednesdays at 3:45 p.m. | The Planets
• Thursdays at 3:45 p.m. | Larry Cat in Space (Except July 25 – Appleton Children’s Week)
• Fridays at 3:45 p.m. | The Planets
• Saturdays at 2:30 p.m. | Larry Cat in Space
• Saturdays at 3:45 p.m. | The Planets

Barlow Family Astronomy Night

Saturday, August 10, 8–10:30 p.m. Get the full Barlow Planetarium experience—planetarium shows and telescopes—in a single astronomy-filled evening.

• 8 p.m. | Larry Cat in Space
• 9–10:30 p.m. | Telescope Viewing featuring the Moon, Jupiter & Saturn
• 9:15 p.m. |  The Planets

Star Show Admission

PLEASE NOTE:  Due to the transition of the Barlow to UW-Oshkosh, online and credit card sales are being temporarily suspended.
Sorry for the inconvenience!

• Barlow Members: FREE
• Adults (age 18+): $8 
• Students (age 13-17): $7
• College students (with ID): $7
• Children (age 3-12): $6
• Seniors (age 60+): $6
• Multi-show discounts are available
• Group discounts are available
• Free (1 show per day) for eligible Association of Science-Technology Centers (ASTC) passport members!

ASTC Pass Program Restrictions

• Based on residence: To receive Travel Passport Program benefits, you must live more than 90 miles away from the center/museum you wish to visit. Admissions staff reserve the right to request proof of residence for benefits to apply. Science centers and museums requesting proof of residence are marked by (Check IDs).
• Based on your science center’s or museum’s location: Science centers/museums located within 90 miles of each other are excluded from the Travel Passport Program unless that exclusion is lifted by mutual agreement.

FEATURE STAR SHOWS (Grade 5 & Above)

For visitors who have an established interest in astronomy and space. . .

 The Planets

July 2 – August 31

Take a tour of our own planetary neighborhood that includes the latest and most up-to-date information about the Solar System.  Narrated by Kate Mulgrew, Captain Janeway of Star Trek:  Voyager, The Planets explores the formation of the solar system, visits each of Earth’s sister planets to uncover the varied worlds that circle the Sun.  Each show concludes with a tour of the current nighttime sky – stars, constellations and planets – as seen from the Fox Valley and Northeast Wisconsin.  

FAMILY STAR SHOWS (Grade 4 & Below)

A light, fun and educational astronomy experience for the visitors that are young and young-at-heart . . .

Larry Cat in Space

July 3 – August 31

Larry Cat in Space is a playful, imaginative cartoon presentation about an inquisitive cat who takes a trip to the Moon to be reunited with his astronaut owner.  This fun and educating program is a hit with both children, parents and anyone who wants to learn a more about the Moon.  Each show concludes with a tour of the current nighttime sky – stars, constellations and planets – as seen from the Fox Valley and Northeast Wisconsin.